CONTROL DEVICE FOR A BICYCLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a bicycle.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a control device used for actuating a brake for the front or rear wheel of the bicycle and, possibly, at least one other bicycle equipment, such as for example a (front or rear) derailleur, a servo-assisted gearshift or a cycle computer. Such a control device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 94 15 887 U1.

[0003] The control device of the present invention is preferably intended to be used in a racing bicycle, namely a bicycle having a handlebar with opposite curved free end portions.

[0004] The control device of the invention can also be gripped or used by the cyclist to ride the bicycle, as an alternative to the classic handgrip provided on the curved free end portions of the handlebar.

[0005] Throughout the present description and in the following claims, the spatial terms, in particular the terms: front, rear, side, upper, lower, vertical and horizontal, are used with reference to the mounted condition of the control device on the handlebar of the bicycle. The terms "inner" and "outer" identify, on the other hand, with reference to the handlebar in neutral position, the area towards the center of the handlebar with respect to an intermediate reference plane that crosses the control device substantially vertically.

[0006] Known control devices typically comprise a body intended to be fixed to the curved free end portions of the handlebar through conventional connection elements, for example a clip.

[0007] The body is typically defined by an outer side wall, an inner side wall substantially parallel to the outer side wall, an upper transverse wall that connects together the outer side wall and the inner side wall and a lower transverse wall opposite to the upper wall. All of the walls are typically covered with an outer sheath.

[0008] The body is mounted on the handlebar of the bicycle so as to project at the front of the latter and is configured so as to facilitate the cyclist's grip in certain race situations. It thus has an ergonomic shape, typically comprising an upward protuberance in the front area thereof.

[0009] A brake lever and, typically, one or more control members (levers and/or buttons) for actuating a derailleur or a servo-assisted gearshift and possibly also for controlling a cycle computer are associated with the body.

[0010] In order to ensure a secure and efficient grip of the brake lever for all cyclists, irrespective of the different sizes of their hands, some control devices of the prior art comprise adjustment means of the release position of the brake lever.

[0011] Throughout the present description and in the following claims, the expression "release position" indicates the position taken up by the brake lever when the cyclist releases the brake lever, namely when the cyclist does not actuate the brake of the bicycle.

[0012] In this context, any reference to the position taken up by the brake lever with respect to the handlebar should be taken as referring to the position taken up by the part of the brake lever arranged below the rotation axis and intended to be actuated by the fingers of the cyclist during braking.

[0013] The aforementioned adjustment means of the release position of the brake lever make it possible to modify the release position by bringing the brake lever towards the handlebar, so as to make it easier for example for cyclists with small hands. Indeed, the brake lever may be too far from the handlebar to be able to be easily actuated by such a cyclist when he/she rides the bicycle gripping the handlebar at the opposite curved end portions thereof.

[0014] Known control devices for a bicycle with adjustment means of the release position of the brake lever are for example described in patent documents US 9242695, DE 202015002728U1, US 8863612, EP 1972537, EP 1964764, EP 1527987 and EP 1342655.

[0015] US 8261888 describes a control device for a bicycle in which a detachment position of the brake lever is provided, namely a position of complete loss of tension for the brake cable of the bicycle. The detachment position makes it possible to release the cable and to open the brake pads, so as to be able to remove the wheel faster.

[0016] The technical problem at the basis of the present invention is that of providing a control device for a bicycle that allows the adjustment of the release position of the brake lever through a solution alternative to those of the prior art.

[0017] The invention therefore relates to a control device for a bicycle, comprising:

• a body configured to be associated with a bicycle handlebar;
• a brake lever associated with said body and rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis;

wherein said body comprises a first abutment portion defining a first release position of said brake lever and at least one second abutment portion defining at least one second release position of said brake lever;
the control device further comprising adjustment means configured to selectively select one of said first release position and at least one second release position, wherein said adjustment means comprise:

• a pin mounted on said brake lever and slidable along a sliding direction substantially parallel to the predetermined rotation axis between a first stop position at which said pin goes into abutment on said first abutment portion and at least one second stop position at which said pin goes into abutment on said at least one second abutment portion;
• a coupling element for coupling with said pin, said coupling element being fixedly associated with said brake lever and configured to selectively stop said pin in said first stop position and in said at least one second stop position.

[0018] Advantageously, in the control device of the present invention the adjustment of the release position of the brake lever is obtained by selectively positioning the aforementioned pin in at least two distinct stop positions upon sliding along the aforementioned sliding direction, and the consequent abutment of the pin on at least two distinct abutment portions defined in the aforementioned body.

[0019] In particular, in the case in which two distinct abutment portions are provided, it is possible to adjust the release position of the brake lever on a "standard" release position for cyclists with average sized hands or on an alternative release position, for example suitable for cyclists with hands smaller or larger than average. In this alternative release position, the brake lever is closer to, or further from, the handlebar with respect to the "standard" release position.

[0020] In the case in which three distinct abutment portions are provided, on the other hand, it is possible to adjust the release position of the brake lever, in addition to on a "standard" release position, on two alternative release positions, one of which for example is suitable for cyclists with larger than average hands and the other is suitable for cyclists with smaller than average hands.

[0021] Preferably, one of said pin and said coupling element comprises at least two circumferential grooves and the other of said pin and said coupling element comprises a circumferential tooth configured to selectively couple with one of said at least two circumferential grooves.

[0022] In particular, in a preferred embodiment of the control device of the invention, said pin comprises said at least two circumferential grooves and said coupling element comprises said circumferential tooth.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment of the device of the invention, said coupling element comprises said at least two circumferential grooves and said pin comprises said circumferential tooth.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the control device of the invention, said circumferential tooth is formed on a bush fixedly associated with said brake lever and said at least two circumferential grooves are formed on said pin, said pin being slidable in said bush along said sliding direction.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment of the control device of the invention, said circumferential tooth is formed on said pin and said at least two circumferential grooves are formed on said bush.

[0026] Preferably, said first abutment portion and said at least one second abutment portion have different depths with respect to an outer surface of said body facing towards said brake lever. In this way, when the pin is in abutment on the different abutment portions formed on the body of the control device the brake lever is positioned with respect to the body at different angles about the predetermined rotation axis, thus defining the aforementioned different release positions of the brake lever.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the control device of the invention, said first abutment portion and said at least one second abutment portion are arranged side by side.

[0028] Preferably, said first abutment portion and said at least one second abutment portion are arranged on the same side with respect to said brake lever.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment of the control device of the invention, said first abutment portion and said at least one second abutment portion are arranged on opposite sides with respect to said brake lever.

[0030] Preferably, said body comprises a third abutment portion defining a detachment position of said brake lever, said adjustment means being configured to selectively select said detachment position as an alternative to said first release position and at least one second release position.

[0031] Advantageously, the same adjustment means provided to selectively select the different release positions of the brake lever are also used to select the detachment position of the brake lever.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the control device of the invention, said third abutment portion is arranged on the opposite side to at least one of said first abutment portion and said at least one second abutment portion with respect to said brake lever.

[0033] Preferably, said first abutment portion and said at least one second abutment portion are arranged on the same side with respect to said brake lever and said third abutment portion is arranged on the opposite side to said first abutment portion and at least one second abutment portion with respect to said brake lever.

[0034] In alternative embodiments of the control device of the invention, said first abutment portion and said at least one second abutment portion are arranged on opposite sides with respect to said brake lever and said third abutment portion is arranged on the same side as one of said first abutment portion and said at least one second abutment portion with respect to said brake lever.

[0035] Preferably, said pin is slidable along said sliding direction until a third stop position is reached at which said pin goes into abutment on said third abutment portion.

[0036] Preferably, said coupling element is configured to selectively stop said pin in said third stop position.

[0037] More preferably, one of said pin and said coupling element comprises a third circumferential groove and the other of said pin and said coupling element comprises said circumferential tooth, wherein said third circumferential groove is configured to couple with said circumferential tooth when said pin reaches said third stop position.

[0038] In particular, in a preferred embodiment of the control device of the invention, said circumferential tooth is formed on said coupling element and said third circumferential groove is formed on said pin in a position adjacent to said at least two circumferential grooves.

[0039] Preferably, said pin comprises opposite free end portions that project with respect to said brake lever when said pin is in said first stop position and at least one second stop position.

[0040] More preferably, at least one of said free end portions projects with respect to said brake lever when said pin is in said third stop position.

[0041] Such a provision allows the cyclist to easily select the desired release position or detachment position by pushing the pin along the sliding direction directly with a finger.

[0042] Further features and advantages of the control device for a bicycle of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the attached drawings. In such drawings:

• figures 1a, 1b and 1c are orthogonal side views of a first preferred embodiment of a control device for a bicycle in accordance with the present invention, with the brake lever in three distinct positions;
• figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the control device of figures 1a, 1b and 1c, without the aforementioned brake lever;
• figures 3a and 3b are, respectively, an orthogonal front view and a section view of the control device of figure 1a, with the brake lever in a first release position;
• figure 3c is a front orthogonal view of a portion of the control device of figure 1a;
• figures 4a and 4b are, respectively, an orthogonal front view and a section view of the control device of figure 1b, with the brake lever in a second release position;
• figures 5a and 5b are, respectively, an orthogonal front view and a section view of the control device of figure 1c, with the brake lever in a detachment position;
• figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are orthogonal side views of a second preferred embodiment of a control device for a bicycle in accordance with the present invention, with the brake lever in four distinct positions;
• figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the control device of figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, without the aforementioned brake lever;
• figures 8a and 8b are, respectively, an orthogonal front view and a section view of the control device of figure 6a, with the brake lever in a first release position;
• figures 9a and 9b are, respectively, an orthogonal front view and a section view of the control device of figure 6b, with the brake lever in a second release position;
• figures 10a and 10b are, respectively, an orthogonal front view and a section view of the control device of figure 6c, with the brake lever in a third release position;
• figures 11a and 11b are, respectively, an orthogonal front view and a section view of the control device of figure 6d, with the brake lever in a detachment position.

[0043] Figures 1a-5b show a first preferred embodiment of a control device for a bicycle in accordance with the present invention, wholly indicated with 10.

[0044] Such a control device 10 comprises a body 20 configured to be mounted on the handlebar (not shown) of a racing bicycle at one of the opposite curved free end portions of the handlebar itself.

[0045] The control device 10 is, in particular, a right control device, namely a control device intended to be associated with the handlebar of the bicycle at the curved free end portion of the handlebar that, viewing the handlebar in its neutral position and from a viewpoint like that of the cyclist while riding, is to the right of the cyclist. However, it is clear that what is described hereinafter has analogous application in the case of a left control device.

[0046] The body 20 is configured to be fixed, at a rear wall 22 thereof, to a curved free end portion of the handlebar, so as to project at the front from said handlebar to be grippable by the cyclist in certain race conditions, like for example in climbs.

[0047] The fixing of the body 20 to the handlebar of the bicycle takes place through conventional connection means (not shown), like for example a strap.

[0048] The body 20 is defined, in addition to by the rear wall 22, by an outer side wall 26a (figure 2), an inner side wall 26b (figures 1a-1c and 2) arranged on the opposite side to the outer side wall 26a with respect to an intermediate reference plane P (figure 3a) that passes vertically through the body 20, an upper transverse wall 28a (figures 1a-1c) that connects together the outer and inner side walls 26a, 26b and a lower transverse wall 28b (figures 1a-1c) opposite to the upper transverse wall 28a.

[0049] Throughout the present description, the expression "intermediate reference plane" is used to indicate any substantially vertical plane that passes through the control device 10, not necessarily a plane of symmetry or a mid-plane of the control device 10.

[0050] The outer side wall 26a and the inner side wall 26b of the control device 10 have respective surfaces substantially parallel to the intermediate reference plane P, apart from small concavities and convexities.

[0051] The body 20 is configured so as to make it easier for the cyclist to grip it. It thus has an ergonomic shape, typically comprising, in a front portion 20a thereof, an upward protuberance 24. The upper transverse wall 28a of the body 20 thus has a substantially saddle shaped profile, as shown in figures 1a-1c.

[0052] All of the aforementioned walls of the control device 10 are covered with an outer covering sheath.

[0053] A brake lever 30 and a gearshift lever 40 intended to control a derailleur (not shown) of the bicycle in a first gearshifting direction (in particular the rear derailleur) are associated with the body 20.

[0054] The brake lever 30 is hinged to the body 20 at the front portion 20a of the body 20 in a totally conventional manner.

[0055] The brake lever 30 is rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis X.

[0056] The gearshift lever 40 is arranged behind the brake lever 30 and is articulated to the body 20 in a totally conventional manner.

[0057] The control device 10 can comprise a further gearshift lever (not shown) for actuating the derailleur in a gearshifting direction opposite to that in which the derailleur is actuated by acting on the gearshift lever 40. The further gearshift lever is articulated to the body 20 in a totally conventional manner. The gearshift lever 40 and the further gearshift lever act on a derailleur control device 42, which is of the mechanical type in the case illustrated, arranged inside the body 20.

[0058] As shown in figure 2, the body 20 comprises a first abutment portion 50 defining a first release position of the brake lever 30 and a second abutment portion 52 defining a second release position of the brake lever 30.

[0059] The first abutment portion 50 and the second abutment portion 52 have different depths with respect to an outer surface 21 of the body 20 facing towards the brake lever 30 (figure 2). In particular, the first abutment portion 50 has a depth greater than that of the second abutment portion 52.

[0060] In the non-limiting example shown in figure 2, the first abutment portion 50 and the second abutment portion 52 are arranged side-by-side and on the same side with respect to the brake lever 30. In particular, the abutment portions 50 and 52 are formed on the inner side wall 26b of the body 20.

[0061] The first release position is shown in figures 1a, 3a, 3b and 3c and is indicated hereinafter as "standard release position".

[0062] The second release position, on the other hand, is shown in figures 1b, 4a and 4b and is indicated hereinafter as "release position for small hands".

[0063] The standard release position is suitable for cyclists with average sized hands, whereas the release position for small hands is suitable for cyclists with smaller than average hands. In the release position for small hands, the brake lever 30 is closer to the rear wall 22 of the body 20 (and therefore closer to the handlebar) than in the standard release position, as can be seen by comparing figures 1a and 1b.

[0064] The control device 10 further comprises adjustment means 60 configured to selectively select one of the aforementioned release positions.

[0065] The adjustment means 60 comprise a pin 62 mounted on the brake lever 30 (figure 3b).

[0066] The pin 62 is slidable along a sliding direction y, which is substantially parallel to the rotation axis X, between a first stop position (figures 3a-3c) and a second stop position (figures 4a and 4b).

[0067] At the first stop position the pin 62 goes into abutment on the first abutment portion 50 of the body 20, whereas at the second stop position the pin 62 goes into abutment on the second abutment portion 52 of the body 20.

[0068] The adjustment means 60 also comprise a coupling element 64 for coupling with the pin 62. The coupling element 64 is fixedly associated with the brake lever 30 and is configured to selectively stop the pin 62 in the aforementioned first and second stop positions.

[0069] Preferably, as shown in the attached drawings, the coupling element 64 is defined by a bush (indicated with 64 in figures 3b, 4b and 5b). The pin 62 can slide along the sliding direction y inside the bush.

[0070] In the non-limiting example shown (in particular, see figure 3c), the pin 62 comprises two circumferential grooves 62a arranged side by side with respect to the axis Y of the pin 62, namely along the sliding direction y, and the coupling element 64 comprises a circumferential tooth 64a configured to selectively couple with one of the two circumferential grooves 62a.

[0071] The coupling between the circumferential tooth 64a and the two circumferential grooves 62a is preferably of the snap type.

[0072] As shown in figure 2, the body 20 further comprises a third abutment portion 54 defining a detachment position of the brake lever 30.

[0073] The adjustment means 60 are configured to selectively select the detachment position as an alternative to the aforementioned first and second release position.

[0074] The third abutment portion 54 is arranged on the opposite side to the abutment portions 50 and 52 with respect to the brake lever 30. In particular, the third abutment portion 54 is formed on the outer side wall 26a of the body 20.

[0075] The third abutment portion 54 has a depth, with respect to the outer surface 21 of the body 20, greater than that of the first abutment portion 50 and of the second abutment portion 52 (figure 2).

[0076] The detachment position is shown in figures 1c, 5a and 5b.

[0077] The pin 62 is slidable along the sliding direction y so as to reach, in addition to the aforementioned first and second stop positions, a third stop position (figure 5b), at which the pin 62 goes into abutment on the third abutment portion 54,.

[0078] The coupling element 64 is configured to selectively stop the pin 62 in the aforementioned third stop position as well as in the aforementioned first and second stop positions.

[0079] In particular, the pin 62 comprises a third circumferential groove 62b, as shown in figure 3c. The third circumferential groove 62b and the two circumferential grooves 62a are arranged side by side with respect to the axis Y of the pin 62, namely along the sliding direction y.

[0080] The third circumferential groove 62b is configured to couple with the circumferential tooth 64a of the coupling element 64, thus stopping the pin 62 in the aforementioned third stop position.

[0081] Preferably, the coupling between the circumferential tooth 64a and the third circumferential groove 62b is also of the snap type.

[0082] As shown in figures 3a-3c, the pin 62 comprises opposite free end portions 63 that project with respect to the brake lever 30 when the pin 62 is in the aforementioned first stop position.

[0083] As shown in figures 4a-4b, one of the aforementioned free end portions 63 projects laterally with respect to the brake lever 30 when the pin 62 is in the aforementioned second stop position.

[0084] As shown in figures 5a-5b, the opposite free end portion 63 of the pin 62 projects laterally with respect to the brake lever 30 when the pin 62 is in the aforementioned third stop position.

[0085] Figures 6a-11b show a second preferred embodiment of a control device for a bicycle in accordance with the present invention, wholly indicated with 10.

[0086] In such figures 6a-11b, elements that are analogous or functionally corresponding to those described above with reference to the first embodiment shown in figures 1a-5b are indicated with the same reference numeral and for their detailed description reference should be made to the above description.

[0087] The second embodiment shown in figures 6a-11b differs from the one shown in figures 1a-5b in that the control device 10 is configured so that the brake lever 30 can also take up a third release position, in addition to the two release positions and the detachment position provided in the first embodiment shown in figures 1a-5b.

[0088] Such a third release position is shown in figures 6c, 10a and 10b and it is indicated hereinafter as "release position for large hands".

[0089] The first release position is shown in figures 6a, 8a and 8b and is indicated hereinafter as "standard release position". Such a first release position corresponds to the first release position shown in figures 1a, 3a, 3b and 3c.

[0090] The second release position is shown in figures 6b, 9a and 9b and is indicated hereinafter as "release position for small hands". Such a second release position corresponds to the second release position shown in figures 1b, 4a and 4b.

[0091] The detachment position is shown in figures 6d, 11a and 11b and corresponds to the detachment position shown in figures 1c, 5a and 5b.

[0092] The release position for large hands is suitable for cyclists with larger than average hands. In the release position for large hands, the brake lever 30 is further far from the rear wall 22 of the body 20 (and therefore further far from the handlebar) with respect to the standard release position, as can be seen by comparing figures 6a and 6c.

[0093] As shown in figure 7, the body 20 comprises, in addition to the first abutment portion 50 defining the first release position of the brake lever 30, the second abutment portion 52 defining the second release position of the brake lever 30 and the third abutment portion 54 defining the detachment position of the brake lever 30, also a fourth abutment portion 156 defining the third release position of the brake lever 30.

[0094] The first abutment portion 50, the second abutment portion 52 and the fourth abutment portion 156 have different depths with respect to the outer surface 21 of the body 20 facing towards the brake lever 30 (figure 7). In particular, the fourth abutment portion 156 has a depth greater than that of the first abutment portion 50, which in turn is greater than that of the second abutment portion 52. The fourth abutment portion 156 further has a depth smaller than that of the third abutment portion 54.

[0095] In the non-limiting example shown in figure 7, the first abutment portion 50, the second abutment portion 52 and the fourth abutment portion 156 are arranged side by side and on the same side with respect to the brake lever 30. In particular, the abutment portions 50, 52 and 156 are formed on the inner side wall 26b of the body 20.

[0096] The third abutment portion 54 is arranged on the opposite side to the abutment portions 50, 52 and 156 with respect to the brake lever 30. In particular, the third abutment portion 54 is formed on the outer side wall 26a of the body 20.

[0097] The adjustment means 60 are configured to selectively select one of the aforementioned three release positions or the detachment position.

[0098] The pin 62 included in the adjustment means 60 is slidable along the sliding direction y along the first stop position (figures 8a and 8b), the second stop position (figures 9a and 9b), the third stop position (figures 11a and 11b) and a fourth stop position (figures 10a and 10b).

[0099] The first, second and third stop position are analogous respectively to those of figures 3a-3c, 4a-4b and 5a-5b, at which the pin 62 goes into abutment on the first, second and third abutment portion 50, 52 and 54, respectively.

[0100] At the fourth stop position the pin 62 goes into abutment on the fourth abutment portion 156.

[0101] The coupling element 64 included in the adjustment means 60 is configured to selectively stop the pin 62, in addition to in the aforementioned first, second and third stop positions, also in the aforementioned fourth stop position.

[0102] In particular, the pin 62 comprises a fourth circumferential groove 62c. The fourth circumferential groove 62c, the third circumferential groove 62b and the two circumferential grooves 62a are arranged side by side with respect to the axis Y of the pin 62, i.e. along the sliding direction y.

[0103] The fourth circumferential groove 62c is configured to couple with the circumferential tooth 64a of the coupling element 64, thus stopping the pin 62 in the aforementioned fourth stop position.

[0104] Preferably, the coupling between the circumferential tooth 64a and the fourth circumferential groove 62c is also of the snap type.

[0105] As shown in figures 8a-8b and 10a-10b, the opposite free end portions 63 of the pin 62 project with respect to the brake lever 30 when the pin 62 is in the aforementioned first and fourth stop position.

[0106] As shown in figures 9a-9b, one of the aforementioned free end portions 63 projects laterally with respect to the brake lever 30 when the pin 62 is in the aforementioned second stop position.

[0107] As shown in figures 11a-11b, the opposite free end portion 63 of the pin 62 projects laterally with respect to the brake lever 30 when the pin 62 is in the aforementioned third stop position.

[0108] The operation of the control device 10 of the invention is already clear from what has been described above and is specified as follows.

[0109] The cyclist easily selects the desired release position of the brake lever 30 or the detachment position by pushing the pin 62 along the sliding direction y directly with a finger.

[0110] In the first embodiment of the control device shown in figures 1a-5b, the cyclist can pass from the standard release position (figures 1a, 3a-3c) to the release position for small hands (figures 1b, 4a-4b) by pushing the pin 62 towards the inner side of the control device 10 (namely by pushing the free end portion 63 of the pin 62 projecting from the brake lever 30 at the outer side wall 26a of the control device 10 towards the inner side wall 26b of the control device 10), whereas it can pass from the standard release position (figures 1a, 3a-3c) to the detachment position (figures 1c, 5a-5b) by pushing the pin 62 towards the outer side of the control device 10 (namely by pushing the free end portion 63 of the pin 62 projecting from the brake lever 30 at the inner side wall 26b of the control device 10 towards the outer side wall 26a of the control device 10).

[0111] If the brake lever 30 is in the release position for small hands (figures 1b, 4a-4b), by pushing the pin 62 towards the outer side of the control device 10 it is possible to pass to the standard release position (figures 1a, 3a-3c).

[0112] If the brake lever 30 is in the detachment position (figures 1c, 5a-5b), by pushing the pin 62 towards the inner side of the control device 10 it is possible to pass to the standard release position (figures 1a, 3a-3c).

[0113] In the second embodiment of the control device shown in figures 6a-11b, the cyclist can pass from the standard release position (figures 6a, 8a-8b) to the release position for small hands (figures 6b, 9a-9b) by pushing the pin 62 towards the inner side of the control device 10 (namely by pushing the free end portion 63 of the pin 62 projecting from the brake lever 30 at the outer side wall 26a of the control device 10 towards the inner side wall 26b of the control device 10), whereas it can pass from the standard release position (figures 6a, 8a-8b) to the release position for large hands (figures 6c, 10a-10b) by pushing the pin 62 towards the outer side of the control device 10 (namely by pushing the free end portion 63 of the pin 62 projecting from the brake lever 30 at the inner side wall 26b of the control device 10 towards the outer side wall 26a of the control device 10).

[0114] If the brake lever 30 is in the release position for small hands (figures 6b, 9a-9b), by pushing the pin 62 towards the outer side of the control device 10 it is possible to pass to the standard release position (figures 6a, 8a-8b).

[0115] If the brake lever 30 is in the release position for large hands (figures 6c, 10a-10b), by pushing the pin 62 towards the outer side of the control device 10 it is possible to pass to the detachment position (figures 6d, 11a-11b), whereas by pushing the pin 62 towards the inner side of the control device 10 it is possible to pass to the standard release position (figures 6a, 8a-8b).

[0116] If the brake lever 30 is in the detachment position (figures 6d, 11a-11b), by pushing the pin 62 towards the inner side of the control device 10 it is possible to pass to the release position for large hands (figures 6c, 10a-10b) and by pushing the pin 62 further towards the inner side of the control device 10 it is possible to pass to the standard release position (figures 6a, 8a-8b).

[0117] Of course, in order to satisfy specific and contingent requirements, those skilled in the art can bring numerous modifications and variants to the control device for a bicycle described above, all of which are in any case within the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

[0118] For example, the position of the aforementioned abutment portions 50, 52, 54, 156 on the body 20 can be different from the one described above.

[0119] For example, one or more of the aforementioned abutment portions 50, 52, 156 can be formed on the body 20 on the same side as the abutment portion 54 with respect to the brake lever 30.

[0120] Furthermore, by making further abutment portions on the body 20 and further circumferential grooves on the pin 62 it is possible to define further release or detachment positions of the brake lever 30.

Claims

1. Control device (10) for a bicycle, comprising:

- a body (20) configured to be associated with a bicycle handlebar;

- a brake lever (30) associated with said body (20) and rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis (X);

wherein said body (20) comprises a first abutment portion (50) defining a first release position of said brake lever (30) and at least one second abutment portion (52, 156) defining at least one second release position of said brake lever (30);
the control device (10) further comprising adjustment means (60) configured to selectively select one of said first release position and at least one second release position, characterized in that said adjustment means (60) comprise:

- a pin (62) mounted on said brake lever (30) and slidable along a sliding direction (Y) substantially parallel to the predetermined rotation axis (X) between a first stop position at which said pin (62) goes into abutment on said first abutment portion (50) and at least one second stop position at which said pin (62) goes into abutment on said at least one second abutment portion (52, 156);

- a coupling element (64) for coupling with said pin (62), said coupling element (64) being fixedly associated with said brake lever (30) and configured to selectively stop said pin (62) in said first stop position and in said at least one second stop position.

2. Control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein one of said pin (62) and said coupling element (64) comprises at least two circumferential grooves (62a) and the other of said pin (62) and said coupling element (64) comprises a circumferential tooth (64a) configured to selectively couple with one of said at least two circumferential grooves (62a).

3. Control device (10) according to claim 2, wherein said circumferential tooth (64a) is formed on a bush (64) fixedly associated with said brake lever (30) and said at least two circumferential grooves (62a) are formed on said pin (62), said pin (62) being slidable in said bush (64) along said sliding direction (Y).

4. Control device (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first abutment portion (50) and said at least one second abutment portion (52, 156) have different depths with respect to an outer surface (21) of said body (20) facing towards said brake lever (30).

5. Control device (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first abutment portion (50) and said at least one second abutment portion (52, 156) are arranged side-by-side and on the same side with respect to said brake lever (30).

6. Control device (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said body (20) comprises a third abutment portion (54) defining a detachment position of said brake lever (30), said adjustment means (60) being configured to selectively select said detachment position as an alternative to said first release position and at least one second release position.

7. Control device (10) according to claim 6, wherein said third abutment portion (54) is arranged on the opposite side to at least one of said first abutment portion (50) and said at least one second abutment portion (52, 156) with respect to said brake lever (30).

8. Control device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said pin (62) is slidable along said sliding direction (Y) until a third stop position is reached at which said pin (62) goes into abutment on said third abutment portion (54), and wherein said coupling element (64) is configured to selectively stop said pin (62) in said third stop position.

9. Control device (10) according to claim 8 when depending on claim 2, wherein one of said pin (62) and said coupling element (64) comprises a third circumferential groove (62b) and the other of said pin (62) and said coupling element (64) comprises said circumferential tooth (64a), wherein said third circumferential groove (62b) is configured to couple with said circumferential tooth (64a) when said pin (62) reaches said third stop position.

10. Control device (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said pin (62) comprises opposite free end portions (63) that project with respect to said brake lever (30) when said pin (62) is in said first stop position and at least one second stop position.

11. Control device (10) according to claim 10, wherein at least one of said free end portions (63) projects with respect to said brake lever (30) when said pin (62) is in said third stop position.

Ansprüche

1. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) für ein Fahrrad, die umfasst:

- einen Körper (20), der zum Verbinden mit einem Fahrradlenker eingerichtet ist;

- einen Bremshebel (30), der mit dem Körper (20) verbunden ist und um eine vorgegebene Drehachse (X) herum gedreht werden kann;

wobei der Körper (20) einen ersten Anschlag-Abschnitt (50), der eine erste Freigabe-Position des Bremshebels (30) definiert, sowie wenigstens einen zweiten Anschlag-Abschnitt (52, 156) umfasst, der wenigstens eine zweite Freigabe-Position des Bremshebels (30) definiert;
die Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) des Weiteren eine Einstellungseinrichtung (60) umfasst, die zum selektiven Auswählen der ersten Freigabe-Position oder wenigstens einer zweiten Freigabe-Position eingerichtet ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Einstellungseinrichtung (60) umfasst:

- einen Bolzen (62), der an dem Bremshebel (30) angebracht ist und in einer Gleitrichtung (Y) im Wesentlichen parallel zu der vorgegebenen Drehachse (X) zwischen einer ersten Halte-Position, an der der Bolzen (62) an dem ersten Anschlag-Abschnitt (50) anschlägt, und wenigstens einer zweiten Halte-Position verschoben werden kann, an der der Bolzen (62) an dem wenigstens einen zweiten Anschlag-Abschnitt (52, 156) anschlägt;

- ein Kopplungs-Element (64) zum Koppeln mit dem Bolzen (62), wobei das Kopplungs-Element (64) fest mit dem Bremshebel (30) verbunden und so eingerichtet ist, dass es den Bolzen (62) selektiv an der ersten Halte-Position und an der wenigstens einen zweiten Halte-Position zum Halten bringt.

2. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Bolzen (62) oder das Kopplungs-Element (64) wenigstens zwei Umfangs-Nuten (62a) umfasst und das andere Element von dem Bolzen (62) und dem Kopplungs-Element (64) einen Umfangs-Zahn (64a) umfasst, der zum selektiven Koppeln mit einer der wenigstens zwei Umfangs-Nuten (62a) eingerichtet ist.

3. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 2, wobei der Umfangs-Zahn (64a) an einer Buchse (64) ausgebildet ist, die fest mit dem Bremshebel (30) verbunden ist, und die wenigstens zwei Umfangs-Nuten (62a) an dem Bolzen (62) ausgebildet sind, wobei der Bolzen (62) in der Buchse (64) in der Gleitrichtung (Y) verschoben werden kann.

4. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei der erste Anschlag-Abschnitt (50) und der wenigstens eine zweite Anschlag-Abschnitt (52, 156) unterschiedliche Tiefen in Bezug auf eine Außenfläche (21) des Körpers (20) haben, die dem Bremshebel (30) zugewandt ist.

5. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei der erste Anschlag-Abschnitt (50) und der wenigstens eine zweite Anschlag-Abschnitt (52, 156) nebeneinander und an der gleichen Seite in Bezug auf den Bremshebel (30) angeordnet sind.

6. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Körper (20) einen dritten Anschlag-Abschnitt (54) umfasst, der eine Löse-Position des Bremshebels (30) definiert, und die Einstellungseinrichtung (60) zum selektiven Auswählen der Löse-Position als einer Alternative zu der ersten Freigabe-Position und wenigstens einer zweiten Freigabe-Position eingerichtet ist.

7. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 6, wobei der dritte Anschlag-Abschnitt (54) an der dem ersten Anschlag-Abschnitt (50) oder/und dem wenigstens einen zweiten Anschlag-Abschnitt (52, 156) in Bezug auf den Bremshebel (30) gegenüberliegenden Seite angeordnet ist.

8. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, wobei der Bolzen (62) in der Gleitrichtung (Y) verschoben werden kann, bis eine dritte Halte-Position erreicht ist, an der der Bolzen (62) an dem dritten Anschlag-Abschnitt (54) anschlägt, und das Kopplungs-Element (64) so eingerichtet ist, dass es den Bolzen (62) selektiv an der dritten Halte-Position zum Halten bringt.

9. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 8, wenn abhängig von Anspruch 2, wobei der Bolzen (62) oder das Kopplungs-Element (64) eine dritte Umfangsnut (62b) umfasst und das andere Element von dem Bolzen (62) und dem Kopplungs-Element (64) den Umfangs-Zahn (64a) umfasst, und die dritte Umfangsnut (62b) so eingerichtet ist, dass sie mit dem Umfangs-Zahn (64a) gekoppelt wird, wenn der Bolzen (62) die dritte Halte-Position erreicht.

10. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Bolzen (62) gegenüberliegende freie Endabschnitte (63) umfasst, die in Bezug auf den Bremshebel (30) vorstehen, wenn sich der Bolzen (62) an der ersten Halte-Position und wenigstens einer zweiten Halte-Position befindet.

11. Bedienungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 10, wobei wenigstens einer der freien Endabschnitte (63) in Bezug auf den Bremshebel (30) vorsteht, wenn sich der Bolzen (62) an der dritten Halte-Position befindet.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de commande (10) pour une bicyclette, comprenant :

- un corps (20) configuré pour être associé à un guidon de bicyclette ;

- un levier de frein (30) associé audit corps (20) et pouvant tourner autour d'un axe de rotation prédéterminé (X) ;

où ledit corps (20) comprend une première partie de butée (50) définissant une première position de libération dudit levier de frein (30) et au moins une deuxième partie de butée (52, 156) définissant au moins une deuxième position de libération dudit levier de frein (30) ;
le dispositif de commande (10) comprenant en outre un moyen de réglage (60) configuré pour sélectionner de manière sélective l'une desdites première position de libération et au moins une deuxième position de libération, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de réglage (60) comprend :

- une broche (62) montée sur ledit levier de frein (30) et pouvant coulisser le long d'une direction de coulissement (Y) sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de rotation prédéterminé (X) entre une première position de butée à laquelle ladite broche (62) vient en butée sur ladite première partie de butée (50) et au moins une deuxième position de butée à laquelle ladite broche (62) vient en butée sur ladite au moins une deuxième partie de butée (52, 156) ;

- un élément d'accouplement (64) destiné à être couplé à ladite broche (62), ledit élément d'accouplement (64) étant associé de manière fixe audit levier de frein (30) et configuré pour bloquer de manière sélective ladite broche (62) dans ladite première position de butée et dans ladite au moins une deuxième position de butée.

2. Dispositif de commande (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un premier élément parmi ladite broche (62) et ledit élément d'accouplement (64) comprend au moins deux rainures circonférentielles (62a) et l'autre élément parmi ladite broche (62) et ledit élément d'accouplement (64) comprend une dent circonférentielle (64a) configurée pour être couplée de manière sélective avec l'une desdites au moins deux rainures circonférentielles (62a).

3. Dispositif de commande (10) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite dent circonférentielle (64a) est formée sur une douille (64) associée de manière fixe audit levier de frein (30) et lesdites au moins deux rainures circonférentielles (62a) sont formée sur ladite broche (62), ladite broche (62) pouvant coulisser dans ladite douille (64) le long de ladite direction de coulissement (Y).

4. Dispositif de commande (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite première partie de butée (50) et ladite au moins une deuxième partie de butée (52, 156) présentent des profondeurs différentes par rapport à une surface extérieure (21) dudit corps (20) orientée en direction dudit levier de frein (30).

5. Dispositif de commande (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite première partie de butée (50) et ladite au moins une deuxième partie de butée (52, 156) sont agencées côte à côte et du même côté par rapport audit levier de frein (30).

6. Dispositif de commande (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit corps (20) comprend une troisième partie de butée (54) définissant une position de détachement dudit levier de frein (30), ledit moyen de réglage (60) étant configuré pour sélectionner de manière sélective ladite position de détachement comme alternative auxdites première position de libération et au moins une deuxième position de libération.

7. Dispositif de commande (10) selon la revendication 6, dans lequel ladite troisième partie de butée (54) est agencée sur le côté opposé à au moins une partie parmi ladite première partie de butée (50) et ladite au moins une deuxième partie de butée (52, 156) par rapport audit levier de frein (30).

8. Dispositif de commande (10) selon la revendication 6 ou 7, dans lequel ladite broche (62) peut coulisser le long de ladite direction de coulissement (Y) jusqu'à ce qu'une troisième position de butée soit atteinte à laquelle ladite broche (62) vient en butée sur ladite troisième partie de butée (54), et où ledit élément d'accouplement (64) est configuré pour bloquer de manière sélective ladite broche (62) dans ladite troisième position de butée.

9. Dispositif de commande (10) selon la revendication 8, lorsqu'il dépend de la revendication 2, dans lequel un premier élément parmi ladite broche (62) et ledit élément d'accouplement (64) comprend une troisième rainure circonférentielle (62b) et l'autre élément parmi ladite broche (62) et ledit élément d'accouplement (64) comprend ladite dent circonférentielle (64a), où ladite troisième rainure circonférentielle (62b) est configurée pour être couplée à ladite dent circonférentielle (64a) lorsque ladite broche (62) atteint ladite troisième position de butée.

10. Dispositif de commande (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite broche (62) comprend des parties d'extrémité libre opposées (63) qui font saillie par rapport audit levier de frein (30) lorsque ladite broche (62) se trouve dans lesdites première position de butée et au moins une deuxième position de butée.

11. Dispositif de commande (10) selon la revendication 10, dans lequel au moins l'une desdites parties d'extrémité libre (63) fait saillie par rapport audit levier de frein (30) lorsque ladite broche (62) se trouve dans ladite troisième position de butée.

Drawing